Jackets, "You can cram a lot in a short time" I believe we all buy into what you're saying. But the OP is NOT willing to cram a lot into a short time. Holy shmoly, he wants to drive less than 8 hours a day covering the distances I already outlined. You added a week to his limit and admitted you had to cram to get it in.
I'm with you. My family travelled that way for years. We did the best we could in the time allotted. Don't ever let someone tell you that you can't leave Memphis on Thursday after work, ski two days at Snowshoe, West Virginia, and be home for work on Monday morning with the kids well rested. Of course they were, they didn't drive a lick.
I believe we are beating a dead horse. But it makes for good copy.....